Nigeria’s importation of petroleum from Malta soared to $2.08 billion in 2023, a 43-fold increase. According to a report by Businessday, Trade Map data revealed that this was a 342 percent rise from the $47.5 million imported in 2013. Import values varied between 2013 and 2016, peaking at $117.01 million in 2015 and dropping significantly to $13.32 million in 2016. No imports were recorded from 2017 to 2022.
The sharp increase in imports from Malta, a minor player in the global oil market, has led to speculation. Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, alleged that some Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) personnel, oil traders, and terminals have established a blending plant in Malta. This claim was made during a session at the House of Representatives, raising concerns among stakeholders.
Mele Kyari, NNPC’s group chief executive officer, denied these allegations. He stated he did not own or operate any blending plant and was unaware of any NNPC employee involved in such activities. Kyari emphasized that his only business venture was a local mini-agriculture project.